I read years ago about two types of player – they were dubbed the 'steady' and the 'risk-taker'.

A steady player paired with another steady player was said to be consistent, if not particularly exciting.

A pair of risk-takers tended to be dynamic but lose games by frequently playing exotic or inappropriate, risky shots.

A consistent player paired with a risk-taker were reckoned to be a good combo provided they played to their strengths and for each other.

Thinking about this, I was once very much a risk-taker. I'm less so these days but perhaps not consistent enough to really be labelled steady. I play best with a steady partner – probably because I still like to wellie the shuttle a bit too often!

I've read your useful articles, Paul. As for which player category I fall into I'm not quite sure. I see myself as an 'attacking opportunist' if there is such a thing! I know I haven't the patience for the drawn-out, steady type of game. I'm very dynamic on court and this in particular is what I love about badminton – for me it's about energetic movement combined with varieties of attacking stroke play and tactical thinking.